Advances in Technology Are Making Root Canals Easier than Ever

Root canal therapy is becoming increasingly advanced, benefiting both the patient and the dentist. Thanks to recent technological improvements, you can now have a root canal completed without invasive or painful surgery. These are some of the best advances that dentists are currently using to improve the root canal process

Nickel Titanium Files

In the past, stainless steel files were used to clean out the root canals. Unfortunately, these files were susceptible to breakage, and they also limited the amount of infection that your dentist could remove. Today, nickel titanium files are used instead, as they tend to be more flexible and lead to less breakage.

Apex Locators

The goal of your dentist during your root canal is to clean out and fill in the canal to the end of the root. This area is called the apex, and if your dentist is not able to find it, some of the infection may not be removed. Electronic apex locators can measure the root, find the apex with sound waves, and guide the dentist to the very end.

Dental X-Rays

Dentists often use X-rays to check the status of a tooth that they are treating. Digital X-rays minimize your exposure to radiation and are also developed right away, reducing the amount of time that you need to spend in the dental office.

Surgical Operating Microscopes

These devices are used to help dentists see deep inside of the root canal in order to remove the infection. Your dentist might also wear a magnifying glass that contains a fiber optic light in order to get a better view of your tooth during the procedure.

Sedation Dentistry

In the past, root canals were associated with pain, but sedation dentistry now makes the process relatively painless. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation may be used to numb the tooth and to make you feel more comfortable throughout the process.